Today the shepherd addresses the congregation – in a normal service. Tomorrow the elders will gather for the first time since the shepherd’s resignation.
The shepherd is going to preach the next sermon in the series. I admire the shepherd. He has far more self-control than I. He will bring no vindictiveness or anger. There will not be any snide remarks or little digs. Instead it will be a solid sermon from the Gospel – a miracle of healing.
Lord God, Almighty, bring another miracle of healing. Heal my Shepherd. Restore his heart to be warm and ready to engage and love his flock. Refresh his energy that feels all used up. Heal his soul. Father, the shepherd needs you to miraculously heal him.